The family-friendly Wells Food Festival is returning on Sunday, 13th October, from 10:30am to 4:30pm. The free-to-enter event will showcase some of the region's finest food and drink from nearly 200 independent businesses and artisan traders.

In a first for the festival's 12-year history, the popular Artisan Market will expand from the Recreation Ground, along the Moat, into the Market Place, Town Hall, and down the High Street, which will be closed to traffic for the day.

"With the potential of almost 16,000 people attending the festival, regular visitors will know how busy it can be," said Jon Abbott, the festival's director. "Utilising the High Street seemed the obvious next step. It means we can spread out a little more and also say yes to some enthusiastic new traders who have been patiently waiting to get involved with the festival."

The High Street will feature around 20 new stalls offering a wide range of goods, from kombucha to chocolate.

Beyond the Artisan Market, there will be plenty for visitors to enjoy, with support from headline sponsor Charlie Bigham's. The popular Food for Thought marquee will return, addressing community solutions to food-related social issues. Visitors can also explore the Celebration of English Wine marquee, where individual vineyards will be on hand to chat about their wines.

For younger visitors, the festival's Children's Zone will be supported by local primary school PTAs, along with activities organised by Wells Cathedral School, Millfield, and the 5th/7th Wells Scout Group. Fun Kitchen will be running four free cookery sessions for children, helping them make Apple Cinnamon Swirls. The interactive Children's Trail will also provide a fun way for families to explore the festival.

New for 2024 is the Wells Food Festival Photography Competition, sponsored by Wells Cathedral School. The competition is open to those aged 18 and under, with the theme of Apples & Fruit. Finalists will have their photographs displayed in the Town Hall during the festival, with a chance to win great prizes. The deadline for entries is 29th September, and photos can be submitted via email to [email protected], including the participant's name, age, and photo caption.

For more information, visit www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk.